The National Deer Association (NDA) applauds the recent announcement of Secretarial Order 3396 (SO 3396) by U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI). SO 3396 revokes an order signed last November that imposed new restrictions to inhibit the availability of Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) funding for federal land and water acquisitions.
“SO 3396 is a necessary action to strengthen the LWCF and ensure efficient and effective implementation of the Great American Outdoors Act,” said Torin Miller, NDA’s Director of Policy. “The availability of conservation funding at both the state and federal levels, including funds for the acquisition of lands and waters for the public benefit, is something all hunters should celebrate.”
SO 3396 revokes Secretarial Order 3388, which conditioned the availability of state financial assistance on compliance with new policy prerogatives without meaningful consultation with stakeholders or the public. The revoked order also imposed new restrictions on the availability of LWCF funding for federal acquisitions of land, water, or interests therein, significantly hindering the ability of the LWCF to operate as intended.
The revoked order was a huge blow to conservation funding immediately after Congress passed the Great American Outdoors Act – an act to fully fund the LWCF in excess of $900 million annually. DOI’s new order loosens restrictions on funding available both to states and federal agencies and departments, offering crucial support and funding for public lands and waters nationwide.
The National Deer Association (NDA) is dedicated to ensuring the future of wild deer, wildlife habitat and hunting. Without federal funding for conservation programs across the country, this mission could not exist. SO 3396 strengthens the conservation giant that is the LWCF, ensuring efficient and effective funding for our nation’s lands, waters and wildlife for years to come.
About the National Deer Association
Formally launched on November 10, 2020, the National Deer Association is a non-profit deer conservation group that leads efforts to ensure the future of wild deer, wildlife habitat and hunting. Formed by combining the strengths of two long-serving, successful organizations, the National Deer Association has a combined 38 years of action that has changed deer management for the betterment of hunting and protected North America’s most vital and admired game species for future generations.
